FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Building on over 60 years of Welding and Fabrication experience, L & L Inc. can produce many other custom made
aluminum and iron products according to our customer's designs. Our staff of AWS Certified Welders and Fabricators have the
skills, knowledge and ability to turn your custom idea's into a reality! So please feel free to send us your designs, samples
and or reference material, so we may evaluate the possibility to produce your project.

Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional
liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a
liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and
form a "skin". The powder may be a thermoplastic, a thermoset polymer or a fluoropolymer. It is usually used to create a hard
finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as aluminum extrusions,
architectural building materials (guardrails) and automobile and bicycle parts.

Before applying the powder coating the material the material is prepared to ensure strong and lasting adhesion. For aluminum
applications the preparation consists of six stages. Stages one and two are an alkaline wash, stages three and four are a reverse
osmosis water rinse, stage five is a silane pretreatment and stage six is a reverse osmosis water mist. After this is complete the
powder coating is applied. For steel applications the steel is media blasted to remove millscale then put through the same wash
process as aluminum applications. For additional information please visit
powdercoating.org

The amount of time powdercoat will last depends on the type of powder coat used and location. There are four different types commonly used in
the industry, AAMA 2603, AAMA 3604, AAMA 2605 and Fuoropolymer. The conditions used to test these types are conditions found outdoors
in south Florida (high heat, humidity and exposure to salt water). AAMA 2603 will last approximately 1 year in south Florida conditions
with minimal adhesion loss and fading. AAMA 2604 will last approximately 5 years in south Florida conditions with minimal color
change, about 50% gloss reduction and less than 10% erosion. These first two will last the shortest times of the four and are therefore not
used by L & L Inc.

AAMA 2605 will last approximately 10 years in south Florida conditions with minimal color change, about 50%
gloss reduction and less than 10% erosion. This is our standard coating due to it's durability and cost effectiveness. For salt water
applications or upon customer request we use Fluoropolymer which lasts up to 20 years under south Florida contitions with minimal color change,
about 50% gloss reduction and less than 10% erosion.

In most cases, a simple spray from a garden hose will suffice in keeping your new L & L fence or rail looking good for years
and years to come. Constructed from high-strength alloy, with a minimum 35,000 psi. Our products are designed to handle the elements
as they are extremely durable and will not rust.

No, you will not need to repaint your rail or fence. Our standard powder coat finish is twice the thickness and hardness of typical
wet coatings on the market today. This process allows our products to remain fade and scratch resistant so the color will stay true.

Yes, the standard attachment method is to "surface mount" the railing by mechanically fastening the post base plate into the decking
substrate below. Alternative attachments such method such as "fascia mounted" by attaching the post to the exterior face of the
structures rim joist, "core mounting" into concrete substrates or "soil mounting" directly into the ground are also available. Our representative will be able to discuss other
alternative mounting methods, should your application require such during your initial consultation.

a. Height - 72" Minimum measured from the highest ground elevation within three feet adjacent to the outside of the barrier. The
fence or barrier shall be non-climbable from the outside of the enclosure. "Non- climbable" shall mean no handholds, footholds,
horizontal members, or other features that are available, which would aid in climbing the fence from outside of the barrier. There
shall be no objects within a six foot arc from the top of the perimeter fence or barrier and no closer than three feet to any part of
the fence or barrier.

b. Spacing between rails - Top planes must be separated by a vertical distance that is no less than 45".

f. Gates - Access gates installed in the perimeter fence or barrier shall have latches, be self-closing and self-latching and
lock release mechanisms must be at least 54" above the deck or ground surface.

Frequently Asked Questions - Miscellaneous Metals

The primary problem is the design of stair systems that are installed by General Contractors to reduce the cost of construction.
Regardless of the type of stair system you have if it is not designed to drain water and circulate air oxidation will occur which
reduce the life expectancy of the system.

Typical issues:

1. Lamination of steel over steel and concrete over steel. This design allows moisture to get trapped between the two components
preventing water from draining and air from circulating causing oxidation. As oxidation occurs the steel deteriorates from the inside
out. Oxidation can create enough pressure to shear the welds creating a life safety hazard.

2. Uncoated re-bar in structural precast treads also oxidizes creating enough pressure to fracture the concrete also creating a
life safety hazard.

3. The use of Calcium and Sodium ice melt products accelerates this process. Only Magnesium ice melt products should be used on
these applications. All Ice melt products reduce the lifespan of any type of material used, Magnesium is the least caustic of the 3
types of Ice Melt.

L & L has designed their products to drain water and circulate air eliminating the design flaws that create life safety hazards and
require regular maintenance to keep tenants safe and maintain curb appeal. Pan poured treads are not recommended for exterior use. We
recommend structural precast concrete treads with steel stringers designed as follows.

About

L & L Inc. is a Maryland State
licensed & insured construction firm as well as a Licensed General
Contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in the installation
of commercial miscellaneous metals and aluminum railing and fence.